Director, Directorate of Alternative Energy Research and Use
The directorate of alternative energy research and use was created on 18th March, 2022 with the appointment of Professor Chidi C. Uhuegbu as the first director and the directorate was inaugurated on 30th March, 2022.
Directors Statement
The directorate is established to address the issues of energy challenges in Godfrey Okoye University and its group of institutions. Energy is a force multiplier that enhances the ability to convert raw materials into valuable products and services.
Our Mandate
We are charged with the responsibility of organising and conducting research and development programs in alternative energy use in solar energy, Biomass, Biofuels, small hydro-power, gas plant technologies and market renewable energy products and services.
Mission Statement
To promote the use of alternative energy sources through research and development initiatives and keep records of energy use.
Vision
The directorate shall serve as a medium to diversify energy sources, increase energy access, reduce the school dependency on fossil fuel, promote the conservation of environment and create jobs.
The key performance indicator of the planned energy production and consumption capacities from conventional and renewable energy resources will be based on 2 years, 3 years, 5 years etc. to ascertain whether the quantitative or qualitative measures of achievements of research and development strategic goals are met.
We have decided to divide the campuses into two “A” comprising campuses 1 and 2 and Emene hostels and “B” main campus.
In A, first step we have taken is to determine the total amount of diesel and pre-paid recharge cost. Secondly, to calculate each building to ascertain the total power required because of lack of space here, “stand alone system is preferred”. In B, small hydro power and gas plant will be preferred because of the GOUni-European companies and other faculties will be required un-interrupted power supplies 24/7.
The activities carried out so far include:
i) Getting data on how many hours PHCN supplies power monthly and number of times generators (diesel) supplies power
ii) Calibration of each building (on- going)
iii) The total amount spent on diesel monthly
iv) The total amount of prepaid recharge monthly
v) Installation of inverters in VC, Registrar, Bursary, DVC offices and Library.
However, the Library is on complete solar system but may need some adjustment to accommodate the use of air-condition.
Why we prefer complete solar system to inverter system;
i). Initial cost of installation may seem to be costly at the beginning, but, down the years the cost of power supply will decline to 25/30 years after installation.
ii). little or no maintenance cost
iii). Noise free
iv). No breakdown of parts.
But for only inverter, if there is PHCN power due to National grid collapse and NUPENG strike, there will be no power to charge the inverter.
Production of Smokeless Briquette and Stoves
As one of the treasures of coal/ By-products, coal briquette can be used in fighting desertification and deforestation. It is a form of renewable energy being highly combustible (heating value of 11,214Kcal/kg) in comparison with LPG value of 11,700Kcal/kg which should solve the present high cost and health problems for the low income and local dwellers ( women in particular) in domestic cooking and in preference to fire wood, kerosene and coal.
The product is environmentally friendly, cheap, affordable and non-hazardous to health ( low in ash and sulphur). The raw material often called clean coal abound in Enugu and Okaba in Kogi State.
We intend to establish a Pilot plant for producing smokeless coal briquette and Stoves at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwu-omu Nike in Enugu State.
For a take-off, a semi-automated machines will be fabricated locally and later, the Briquette hydraulic and press machine may be imported because of the envisaged increase in the bulk production level of the briquette. All others and the stoves will be locally fabricated (good evidence of indigenous technology). It is our wish that this technology is transferred to the youths. It will take approximately 15 months to put this up for commissioning and the payback period of one year is envisaged.
STOVES -ROUND AND SQUARE TYPES
Highlights of the inverters installed in the campus.
VC’s Office DVC’s Office
Secondary School University Clinic
Exams and Record
A FIELD REPORT ON THE SELECTION OF THE LOCATION FOR THE SMOKELESS COAL BRIQUETTE AND STOVE DEMONSTRATION/PILOT PLANT AT THE PERMANENT SITE OF THE UNIVERSITY, UGWUOMU, ENUGU STATE.
- The confluence of Iyiokwu and Iyioku rivers has been selected as the suitable site for the plant.
- It is located behind the Poultry Farm and adjacent to the Basket-ball pitch of the permanent site.
- A land space covering 4 plots (2,232 square meters) was recommended for the project.
Prof. Okeke explains vital points to members of the team.
